Microsatellite Genotyping Corroborated Loss of Genetic Diversity in Clarias batrachus as a Result of Lack of Regulatory Reforms in Aquaculture.

In India, over the past 50 years, aquaculture practices of species such as those used for Clarias batrachus were developed without adequate regulatory oversight. In these situations, it is important to consider the influence that genetic factors can have on such vulnerable aquaculture species. Population genetic structure can be evaluated through the use of neutral molecular markers, and this can aid in predicting the risk of the demise of populations and for framing management strategies to conserve remaining populations. The study presented here reports on the genetic status of C. batrachus populations through the analysis of data collected using 22 microsatellite markers from seven natural and one hatchery population. The mean values for observed heterozygosity across loci within populations ranged from 0.242 to 0.485. Measures of genetic differentiation were low overall, with mean values for FST of 0.270, FIS of 0.113 and FIT of 0.353. An AMOVA analysis revealed that percentages of variation among and within populations were 27.16 and 6.86, respectively, and Bayesian clustering analyses showed a population subdivision consisting of five clusters with admixture of haplotypes from other populations leading to genetic bottleneck. We also examined how hatchery management factors leading to excessive exchanges of fish between river systems through could impact the structure of the C. batrachus populations. Overall, this study shows how the systematic use of molecular markers can facilitate the development of management policies for these populations and for the development of a comprehensive set of rules for hatcheries and aquaculture practices, including avoidance of excessive homozygosity by avoiding repeated use of feral broodstock and their interrogation.

Non-Propellant Foams of Green Nano-Silver and Sulfadiazine: Development and In Vivo Evaluation for Burn Wounds.

PURPOSE: A non-propellant based foam (NPF) system was developed incorporating the antibiotics, pectin capped green nano-silver and sulfadiazine (SD) for the topical treatment of burn wounds as a convenient alternative to the existing therapies. METHODS: NPF were prepared using various surfactants and oils forming a nanoemulsion. Anti-microbial studies by resazurin microtitre assay, ex vivo diffusion, in vivo skin permeation and deposition studies, and acute irritation studies were carried out. NPF was applied onto secondary thermal wounds manifested on mice models followed by macroscopic and histological examinations. RESULTS: NPF had an average globule size of <75 nm. The viscosity was ~10 cP indicating the feasibility of expulsion from the container upon actuation. With no skin irritation, the foams showed a higher skin deposition of SD. A high contraction and an evident regeneration of the skin tissue upon treatment with NPF indicated a good recovery from the thermal injury was apparent from the histology studies. CONCLUSION: NPF represents an alternative topical formulation that can be employed as a safe and effective treatment modality for superficial second degree (partial thickness) burn wounds. With a minimal requirement of mechanical force, the no-touch application of NPF makes it suitable for sensitive and irritant skin surfaces.

Pectin-based silver nanocomposite film for transdermal delivery of Donepezil.

A novel pectin-based silver nanocomposite film has been synthesized with the aid of microwave, using green technology and its capacity to adsorb and deliver anti-Alzheimer's drug Donepezil (DPZ) has been investigated. The nanocomposite exhibited excellent adsorption and release efficiency. The pristine and the drug loaded films were characterized using FTIR, TGA, XRD and FESEM-EDS techniques. The DPZ release capacity of the nanocomposite in phosphate buffer saline solution was found to be 94.33 ±â€¯2.12% during 5 days period. Along with the drug, about 92 kcps silver nanoparticles were observed to be released from the film leading to enhanced activity of the system. The drug release followed zero order kinetics and non-Fickian type of diffusion. Toxicity studies of the nanocomposite film conducted with sheep erythrocytes showed <9% hemolysis indicating the non-toxic and blood compatible nature. Further, the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite film against S. aureus and E. coli was quite significant compared to the standard antibiotics. These results reveal the nanocomposite film to be appropriate for the transdermal application avoiding the contamination due to the continuous contact of sweat and moisture from the skin.

Refutation of media reports on introduction of the red bellied piranha and potential impacts on aquatic biodiversity in India.

The presence of a new, potentially deadly exotic fish resembling the Red Bellied Piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri was reported in India by print media from various aquatic resources. These reports raised dramatic concerns over public health issues and threats to the aquatic biodiversity of India. Considering the potential severity of the issue and concerns raised by the media, we undertook a study to evaluate the reliability of identification reports of the suspected fish, any relationships to other species of piranha and to address any possible threats to the aquatic biodiversity of India. For this study, samples were collected from most of the major river systems and lakes in India and evaluated for taxonomic identifications of the suspect fish and phylogenetic relationships to other fish species. Our results clearly show that the suspect fish is in fact Piaractus brachypomus, a species commonly referred as "Pacu", and not the red bellied piranha, P. nattereri. Comparisons of both fish do show striking similarities that may account for the misreporting in the media. Furthermore, P. brachypomusas is still an exotic fish, and as such may still have potentially harmful impacts on the native aquatic fauna of India. Quick attention to this issue and the imposition of control measures, including market bans, should be considered to prevent further loss of biodiversity.

Multiple tests on saffron find new adulterant materials and reveal that Ist grade saffron is rare in the market.

Among spices, Saffron is among the most extensively interrogated for purity and authenticity. Numerous methods have been recommended for authentication of Saffron samples and for detection of adulterants for codex compliance. However, none of these methods can fulfill both of these important quality criteria. This study describes a three step approach to achieving this goal by including the established ISO3632 method and two additional methods based on microscopic examination and DNA barcoding. We provide results showing the utility of these methods both independently and in combination for quality evaluation of 36 commercial saffron samples. Our results show that use of the ISO3632 approach alone can reveal the color and aroma but not the genetic origin of the material or distinguish between synthetic components versus natural ingredients. Also, the microscopic observation method can give a preliminary indication of saffron authenticity, but used alone it is unable to quantify purity. Finally, a relatively new method based on the use of DNA barcodes can authenticate the biological origin of the saffron, but here results may be misleading if auto-adulterating materials are present. Overall, our study reveals that through the combined use of all three methods, saffron authentication can substantially improved.

Prevalence of Candida spp. among healthy denture and nondenture wearers with respect to hygiene and age.

Dentures are inert and nonshading surfaces and therefore get easily colonized by Candida species. Subsequent biofilm produced by them lead to denture stomatitis and candidiasis. This study was aimed to understand the prevalence of Candida species among healthy denture and nondenture wearers with respect to their age and hygiene status. Swabs were collected from 50 complete dentures and 50 non-denture wearers and processed on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. Identification of Candida species was done by staining and a battery of biochemical tests. Data obtained was correlated with age & oral hygiene and statistical analysis was performed. Candida was isolated from both denture and nondenture wearers. Prevalence of different Candida species was significantly higher in denture wearers and found predominated by C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. dubliensis and C. glabrata. Among nondenture wearers, C. albicans and C. tropicalis were isolated. Prevalence of Candida increased with increasing age among denture wearers. Men presented declining denture hygiene compared to women with increasing age. In comparison to nondenture wearers, multispecies of Candida colonized the dentures thus presenting higher risk of candidiasis especially with increasing age.